Friday, December 28, 2012

Clay Richter was walking home to his old farmstead for reasons not fully formulated or understood. Hurricane Sandy having just swept through and showing the thin facade of civility around him was just the tipping point. Thoughts of his wife and daughters haunt him. Others he meets along the way heading various directions helping him to hash out his thoughts and purpose.

A simple walk to his farm..... turns into a life changing and life defining journey for us all.

Lately, I don't get much reading time with my four small children, outside of their school books. But I found this story really drawing and every free moment that I had, I pulled it out, sunk in and enjoyed it.

I can't WAIT to read the sequel, The Last Pilgrims (loosely the unofficial basis for Revolutions, I've heard ;) ).

You can purchase W1CK, Kindle Edition for .99 from Amazon – Click Here!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

So heartbreaking to hear this father speak of his son's murder, and to acknowledge the part he played in it. He paid such a horrible price for such a common mistake. I weep to think of his pain and loss.

While many point their fingers every which direction.... they ignore what this man knows. It was his responsibility to keep his son safe. And he didn't.

I do not give a free pass to the people who committed these murders. And I do not want to cause any more grief for parents who have suffered such horrendous loss.

But society tells us that isn't 'normal' or in the 'best interests of the child.' Instead we are told to ship them off daily to a local government run facility where licensed educators will teach them approved humanistic curricula, track their progress and judge their ability to function in society when they become adults.

I cannot endorse the call to keep prayer and bible reading in school. They have no business teaching my child how to pray and to whom. They have no business promoting one religion or any.... And I include atheism in this, as it is a belief regarding a higher power, that being none, and secular humanism, being the worship of the human being. I would not want them teaching Islam, Buddhism or any of the numerous and very different denominations of Christianity.

I cannot endorse having the schools monitored by armed guards and metal detectors, subject to invasive searches and seizures at whim. I do not want my children to be forced into what equals an occupied ghetto daily, laying down any sense of freedom and security each time they head to school.

I cannot endorse the call take away the rights of gun owners across America. Gun owners across America did not wrong me or these little ones. Each man is guilty of his own crime. And I do not want millions across America to be as defenseless as these children were in the face of evil. Evil won't be stopped by gun laws and will, in fact, become more rampant and brazen in the wake of disarmament of their victims.

But I strongly urge, plead, and ask you.....

Why don't you homeschool your children?

Maybe it isn't 'free' like public school. The costs of homeschooling vary from family to family, ranging from complete free curriculum to several hundred dollar packages per grade level. You can find something that will work for your family and budget. I would gladly help anyone with questions and most homeschoolers would be as well.

Maybe it isn't as 'easy' as shuffling them off on the school bus in the morning. But I get to sleep in until 7 or 8 most mornings and can accomplish our 'schooling' while in my pj's before noon most days.

Maybe it isn't 'convenient' like having a babysitter every weekday from 8-3 while you have that second income, or free time for personal endeavors. I choose to enjoy every moment with my children. I don't really have 'personal projects' right now. Instead we have 'family projects' which can be turned into educational experiences usually. Sewing, Canning, Chicken Raising, Blogging.... all educational experiences.

And I love it.

But most importantly, this is what you are called to do by the word. Teach, Exhort, Cherish.....

What are you willing to do to ensure the success and security of your children?

How many of Columbine's or Sandy Hook's parents wish they had considered that option just one more time?

La Soñador ~: Why Do I Homeschool? - Many times I have been asked, "Why do you homeschool?" I understand that for many, the thought of homeschooling their children never occurred to them. Public schooling is so normalized, so convenient, so status quo.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

“Totalitarianism didn’t come quickly, it took 5 years from 1938 until 1943, to realize full dictatorship in Austria. Had it happened overnight, my countrymen would have fought to the last breath. Instead, we had creeping gradualism. Now, our only weapons were broom handles. The whole idea sounds almost unbelievable that the state, little by little eroded our freedom.”

Paratus Familia Blog: Thoughts From a Russian Immigrant - Throughout history, people have always needed a place to go when things got too bad at home...our next place to go is off the planet(to quote Yakko and Wakko Warner, "It's a Great, Big Universe"). We should have already ...

Monday, December 17, 2012

Right-Winged Birds of Pray
‎"I do not carry a firearm because it is my right. I do not carry because I am afraid. I do not carry because I am paranoid, and I don't carry because I am trying to make a statement. I am not being political, and I am not being religious. I do not carry a gun because I want to frighten, intimidate, or kill. I carry a gun because there is genuine evil in this world. I carry a gun because most people are not equipped to deal with that evil. I carry a gun because the police mostly respond to crime, they do not prevent it. I carry a gun because there are some that can not defend themselves. Some threats are too fearsome, too strong, and too evil. I carry a gun because I am willing to stand between you and that evil. I carry a gun, expecting that someday I may have to use it, and praying that I will never have to."
- Author Unknown

As I read the story of the Tower of Babel, I must admit.... I don't really understand it. I do not read any clear explanation as to why it was 'wrong' to build the tower. I do not know exactly what God was so concerned about.

Honestly, it isn't like they would actually get that tower built up to heaven and storm the gates.

I do however notice some real similarities between those who built the Tower of Babel, and those who are 'building' our society today.

All the people gathered together to dwell in one place, the valley of Shinar, to build their city and the infamous tower. While there are now 7 billionish people in the world today, a majority of them have gathered together into the cities.

All the people spoke one language and joined together to accomplish their goal. The world population today speaks many languages, but we are moving closer and closer to having a global economy, a global government and very likely some manner of a global language or even Babelfish to translate anything on the spot for clearer communication.

And.... perhaps this is the real crux of the matter.... all the people were doing what they 'the people' wanted. The world today is full of people who do what they 'the people' want.

They are not concerned with what God wants.

The people, then and now, are concerned with only their own desires and wishes. They join together for a sense of security, they build systems that depend on each other for their needs. And they 'forget' the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:11-17 says,
11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end— 17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.'

Each family no longer grows their own food, depending on the Lord for the rains in their season, no longer working the land to build fertile and healthy soil. They now go to grocery stores, stocked by menial laborers, supplied by lowly transporters, from subsidized, mono-culture, genetically modified, pesticide laden farms.

Each family no longer maintains their own health, relying on the biblical values of healthy living, working for your food, using the God given medicinal herbs, and believing in the word when it says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord," in James 5:14. They now go and pour out money to men with the titles of "Doctor" and "Pharmacist" and fill their bellies with pharmacological potions and chemicals with more side effects than benefits.

Each family no longer secures their own safety, being courageous, brave and maintaining a righteous and humble lifestyle so that the Lord Himself will defend them. They now lay down all their singular freedoms and pay extortion fees to any government official that asks for it, with minimal promises of 'protection.'

Each family no longer works for their own at all. Each man and woman is expected to leave the home most days and labor in those menial service jobs around their cities, and earning fake money printed on paper, which they need to buy all those meaningless trinkets and entertainments advertised on any and every surface. Each child is expected to attend public, government schools, learning how to be the next generation of good drones that never question the status quo but continue to slave away for mammon.

I think... perhaps the Tower of Babel was not in itself the problem at all. But the hearts of the people, which were turned in ANY direction but towards HIM.

2 Samuel 22:31 says,
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

And Psalm 4:5 says,
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-7 says,
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

The good news today is.... It is not too late.... RETURN TO HIM! COME OUT OF BABYLON! COME OUT!!

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 says,
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

And here we see the BEAUTIFUL promise for those that return to Him.

Deuteronomy 30
The Blessing of Returning to God
30 “Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God drives you, 2 and you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 that the Lord your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you. 4 If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. 5 Then the Lord your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. 6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
7 “Also the Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 8 And you will again obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today. 9 The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good. For the Lord will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers, 10 if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
The Choice of Life or Death
11 “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

***

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Our Homeschool focuses on a section of scripture at a time. I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and enjoy the bible story.Genesis 11-18 - Abraham, Part I

Thursday, December 6, 2012

It can seem quite tedious when reading the generations of so and so, begat so and so, begat so and so. Many times you may feel the urge to skip these sections, and bemoan that they are in the bible at all. After all, "What do these people mean to me?"

Of course, you may not realize it... but in that question is an amazing answer.

They may mean nothing at all to you.

But to God.... they mean something. They mean a lot.

You see.... as you live out your life here on earth, day by day, hour by hour, sometimes, minute by excruciating minute, your every prayer is heard, your every breath numbered, and your every tear collected.

God knows you intimately. And He loves you enough to die to be with you.

And God knew each and every single one of these so and so's as well. Those names are written in the scriptures because He knew them, their daily struggles, successes, prayers and dreams.

While the bible includes only the names of the firstborn sons for the most part, we should also remember that these sons grew into men, had wives, and many children whose names are not known to us. These generations passed before the eyes of the Lord. Mothers praying for their babies to be born healthy and strong, fathers praying for the Lord to help them teach these wild, bright eyed children, young girls praying for a good man to marry them, young men praying for the Lord to provide for his growing family.

And that is really what the word is telling us when He lists the generations.

Remember He is sometimes called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

Yahveh is a God of FAMILY!

Just as He calls us to be HIS children, He also shows us a mighty circle of Love in the Family Unit. The man loves the woman, who loves the baby, who loves the woman, who loves the man. Add a child, and the love grows. Add the children's children, and the love grows.

Consider your own family. Your babies are precious to you. Your parents (I understand there can be exceptions) are loved by you, and love you. Your grandparents are loved by you, and they also love you. Before them, their parents loved them. Each member hoping and dreaming, and hopefully, praying for each other. The love grows.

So next time you read that Mizraim begat Ludim.....
Be comforted. God loves you and you are MUCH MORE than just a so and so to HIM.

***

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Our Homeschool focuses on a section of scripture at a time. I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and enjoy the bible story.Genesis 10 - Generations and The Tower of Babel

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Since early summer our grocery budget has been close to nothing. At first this was quite depressing to me. Every evening as dinner approached I would stare in my pantry like I was utterly lost....which I was. Meals came together by prayer alone.

I had no idea how to make my 'stored goods' into 'edible meals.'

Do you?????

I learned some really important things, about myself, food storage, and the providence of the lord during this time.

At first, of course, I still made meals I was very familiar with. Breakfast consisted of oatmeal or eggs. Lunch and dinner was spaghetti, stir fry, burritos, chili or baked chicken.

But it wasn't long before.... There were no more oats, no more tortillas, no more canned tomatoes or sauce, no more chicken. The hens stopped laying due to stress from raccoons. The garden did not produce much of anything.

I learned to make new meals, (recipes below). My family learned to be thankful for a warm, filling, simple meal instead of processed, store bought, preservative filled 'foods.'

Then a dear neighbor began providing my family with milk! This was a huge blessing to us with our growing kiddoes. When we had excess, we tried our hand at farm cheese. It was a wonderful addition to our meals.

I also began to glean. In my local area we have a great online tool, Freecycle. I was able to ask this local email group for unwanted fruits and veggies as the harvest season was coming to an end. I was able to get local apples from several different neighbors. And a large quantity of zucchini was added to our pantry.

I learned a few years ago that zucchini lasts several months in storage as long as the skin is undamaged. So I did not hesitate to take as much zucchini as was offered. Besides, we LOVE zucchini!

Due to the timing of my pregnancy I missed my opportunity to glean local pumpkins and walnuts which were also available.

My mother in law hosted thanksgiving and gave us the left over turkey and carcass. We were able to get many quarts of rich, thick broth canned from this.

When some grocery money was finally available my attitude towards shopping had changed drastically. Our diet has changed drastically. But I think we are moving in the right direction. Our meals are now more 'sustainable,' made from ingredients we can grow ourselves or get locally. And we are so much less dependent on grocery stores.

While many families use 'meal planning' to make their grocery lists, I simply reassessed my food storage. What had we used up, and what did we need to maintain our nutritious and simple meals?

Here are some recipes that we have learned to enjoy and now rely on.

Cream of Wheat
Grind wheat berries until desired consistency. I like little chunks, but my kids liked it smoother. Mix into 2 parts boiling milk and bring back to a boil until it is the desired thickness. As it cools it will thicken more. Season with desired spices and sweetener.

Soup Du'jour
Saute one chopped onion in butter or other fat. Add broth and/or water. Add any desired vegetables and meat. Add salt and pepper. Most days I used potatoes as a base. My husband also liked additional onions added at the end as well because he liked them crunchy. You can also add rice or noodles. Think 'THICK.'

I am now planting some herb and lettuce seeds in the hope of having a little indoor, winter garden. I eagerly look forward to next years growing season.

In conclusion, I am grateful for this opportunity to learn to feed my family without depending on the grocery store. Consider your habits and supplies now, while you can. Consider how you will feed and care for yourself and loved ones, in the event that the grocery store is simply not an option.

Deuteronomy 12:30-31
“When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

I got this image from a pagan's site where they wished us all a blessed Yule.

"Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

Do you want to worship the Lord? Do you want to celebrate, feast, and revel in Him?

I suggest you look into HIS feasts and holy days. After all, He freed the Israelites from slavery to Egypt to worship Him. And He freed us from slavery to sin to worship Him. We just need to find out what 'worship' is pleasing to Him first.

Monday, December 3, 2012

I love history! And that makes the celebration of Hanukkah particularly exciting to me!! In reality, all the biblical feasts have such historical significance and a rich tapestry of meaning. But the history of Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication and the Festival of Lights, is particularly fascinating to me.

The basic story is that around 167 BCE Antiochus was ruler over Israel. He replaced the High Priest, took the holy items from the temple and had swine sacrificed inside the temple, defiling it in an outrageous display of hatred towards the Israelites and their God.

Family of the true High Priest and others joined and drove out this oppressor. The temple now had to be cleansed and purified. This was a process that took seven days. But they only had enough oil to light the lights for one....

They proceeded in faith and prayer. Miraculously the oil burned for eight days, at which point they had new oil prepared for the temple.

I encourage you to read the history from other sources, as I just skimmed the barest surface of it here. I was blessed to have sat in on a college lecture on this historical event and it is STILL vivid and amazing to me.

It reminds me of two important lessons that Followers of Yeshua must build our lives upon.

1. Our worship of Yahweh is non-negotiable. WE must make it a priority. We also need to approach it THRU the Torah, to make a 'pleasing aroma' to Him.

2. When we proceed in faithful worship of Yahweh, HE will meet our needs.

The bible has a few stories where oil played a prominent role....

Such as the maidens who were waiting for their master's return. Five maidens let their wicks burn out and ran out of oil before he came, Five maidens kept their wicks low and had oil when he came.
And the story of the widow who made bread for Elijah from her last bit of flour and oil.
And the story of the prostitute who saved and saved to purchase costly oil, only to pour it out on Yeshua's feet.

Oil is an integral part of life. We need fats regularly in our diets. It is a staple, albeit in small quantities, in many foods, such as bread and broth. It can be used to light and heat our homes. It can be used to power our vehicles.

If we consider oil to be 'that which we need daily,' we can learn much from this story.

We all need food and shelter.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

We all have concerns for our well being and future.

Matthew 6:25-34 says, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

But when we step out in faith, and give.... even that little that we have....

Mark 12:42-44 says, "Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”"

We will receive His reward....

Matthew 25:21 says, "His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’"

Here are some links where you can learn more about this holiday and how it is celebrated....

And here is where Yeshua was celebrating the Feast of Dedication and when approached by the Pharisees, told them He was the Son of Elohiym. - John 10:22-39

This year's Feast of Dedication begins this Saturday!

***

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La Soñador ~: Hanukkah, the Biblical Feast of Dedication - Tonight we will be joining millions around the world lighting the third candle on their Hanukkah Menorahs. In Hebrew the word Hanukkah means Dedication. While many call this the Festival of Lights, it is more accurately ...

La Soñador ~: Why Would A Christian Say No To Christmas? - “Tomorrow there will be a festival to YHWH.” Sounds good right? Get together, worship god, have a grand time.... But God said, "Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them." Why ...

La Soñador ~: Whose Holy Days Are You Celebrating??? - Sukkot, the Festival of Booths.... Living in temporary structures, in joy and celebration, structures that are beautified and decorated to look like a Wedding Sukkah. They may be only 'shadows' of things to come. But at least they ...

La Soñador ~: Fire In My Bones - But the fervor was gone. The fire that burned without quenching was gone. The desire for Him was there but with just enough reciprocation to keep me going, 'Don't give up,' "Keep on keepin' on..."

God's Reward System - Did you know that God has a reward system? It isn't like He is some kind of arcade game, where you win points. It isn't like your credit card that gives you "money back" for certain purchases.

Christians and the Torah - Since my family has chosen to celebrate the Feasts of the Lord and learn and follow the Torah, we have come against MANY nay sayers. Most of these are arguments arise from fellow christians.

Monday, November 26, 2012

As you can see I love wearing my baby. I prefer the sling wrap, such as the Maya wrap. But when it is not available I will grab any large piece of fabric and tie it with the baby, in the manner of a rebozo.

While a Maya Wrap is quite spendy, from $45-80 from various sources, it is a high quality, comfortable, and efficient way to carry your baby. When it is worn properly, your child is securely held against your chest in that wonderful froggy position that babies find soooooo comforting. They can feel your warmth, hear your voice and heartbeat, all while cradled in a soothing womb-like setting. And you almost get the full use of your two hands back!

I am really quite impressed that Maya Wrap also gives full directions how to sew your own sling wrap! I really want to make a couple. And not JUST because I love all the fabric choices! I use my wrap everyday, even at home, to sooth my babe, give my arms a rest, try to get housework done, etc. Having more than one would eliminate the possibility that I would have to go to town without it because my one and only wrap got dirty in a myriad of ways.

La Soñador ~: Renewing the Wardrobe for the Frugal Mama - I recently had to replace much of my wardrobe. While we constantly make sure the children have clothing that fits, looks nice and meets their needs, my husband and I 'make do' with t-shirts we had since high school, and hand ...

I promised to write up my birth story. It has been nearly four weeks, plenty of time for me to recuperate, rest and reflect.

Every time I think on my last birth... I laugh.

At first I thought that I needed to ponder more and come up with some deep knowledge or wisdom to share that I learned while entering that dark valley known as labor, being rent in twain and living to share about it.

But instead, I laugh.

My birth was joyous and hilarious to me. While that may not be deep, I doubt many mothers find such joy in birth.

So I will share it with you, and pray that others are likewise blessed with laughter both now and when you least expect it.

My pregnancy went pretty easily.

I did experience nausea from about week six to week fourteen. But overall I only puked a few times so I considered it 'mild'.

My exhaustion was intense! But it also improved in my second trimester. I was even able to convince my children to let me nap sometimes.

We had told the children immediately. We are always tooooooo excited to keep such news to ourselves. The older children were happy and eagerly offered names daily. The youngest, not unexpectedly, was confused and noticeably more clingy. I was not worried though. I knew that when the baby arrived, jealousy would have no place, shoved out by sheer wonder at what God creates in that hidden darkness. Our family would grow, our love would grow, our hearts would grow, again.

My belly grew much larger than expected, quicker than expected. I grew excited thinking TWINS!!! I researched twin birth, compared to single babies. I was concerned that if it was twins, it was more likely that I would experience premature labor, creating a real need for the involvement of doctors or midwives. I prayed for help with this situation. I didn't want to go to OBGyn's after my first two
pregnancies. I was unable to find a helpful midwife with my second pregnancy and was hesitant to go on that search again.

But my husband, being more social (read that as, 'he talks and talks and talks like a woman....') was encouraged by some local cashier or something to contact our local midwife, with the promise that she was different.

So I called her and we spoke a few times before scheduling an appointment. I tried to maintain my pessimistic, hard shelled demeanor. But she won me over immediately. Outgoing, easy going,
natural and honest.

We met in her inviting home office, filled with newspaper clippings, announcement cards, and photos of some of her births. The wall was lined with books and videos on pregnancy and birth. Soothing (hippy) music was playing. She led us into a bedroom with a queen sized bed, a couch and as jacuzzi tub (tempting.....). She had me lay down, ran the ultrasound over my belly and determined quickly that the 'second baby' I was sure I felt was in fact my also beloved placenta laying on top of my single, healthy babe. It was one of those moments where you are happy and sad at the same time. Twins would be hard. But twins would be awesome! LOL!

The midwife refused payment. I cried explaining to her how much she blessed me, especially after my previous experiences. I pray that God continues to bless her, as I could see He was certainly with her now.

Towards the end of my second trimester, I got ill. I started feeling like I had a bladder infection. Unable to buy cranberry juice immediately I looked for other remedies. I read that blueberries would work just as well as cranberries. I had plenty of blueberries and blended them with water a few times a day. I felt a little better and was hopeful that it was working.

But then I suddenly developed a high fever and sever lower back pain. I had also read that if not treated a bladder infection will go to your kidneys and a pregnant woman's body will usually expel the child.

I was terrified. I sobbed bitterly. I was afraid of losing my child. And I was afraid of going to the hospital. I prayed for direction. And the Lord brought to mind our local midwife. Oh if she could help!

I called her, still sobbing, and tripping over my words in my frantic state. She laughed. She calmly, happily advised me to take 1000mg of vitamin c three times a day with a LOT of water, and to call her if it did not quickly, dramatically improve. I was calmed by her calm. I quickly took my vitamin c and water and fell deeply asleep. I awoke two hours later with no fever, minor muscle soreness and an urgent need to visit the bathroom. :). After a week I was fully recuperated.

My due date came and went. This came as no surprise. My first babe came seven days after and my third nine days after. My second only came on her due date because I took castor oil.

So I patiently waited. We got to seven days....eight....nine....
I stopped taking and making phone calls and ignored numerous emails at this point. I was tired of the conversation.

Friend or family member: Did you have the baby?
Me: No, not yet. Soon. :)
Friend or family member: What?! Why not? Its so late? What's wrong?
When are you going to the doctor? What if its too big to come out?
What if you have some '_________' condition?
Me: No, no. I'm fine really. It will be any time now.

I had braxton hicks, contractions that don't start actual labor everyday, all day. I took numerous baths, stayed up late watching Heroes or reading Surviving Off Off Grid, thinking it was 'time'.

Ten days, eleven, twelve.....
I was getting worried. Yes, I admit it. I took castor oil. That accomplished.... Nothing. I called the midwife for advice. She welcomed me to stop in that night. After my husband got off work we headed over. Tonight I was particularly bummed as I wasn't even having fake contractions that whole day. The midwife felt my belly, ensuring the babe was in position. We both agreed that forty two
weeks was kind of a cut off point. If your dates are right, which I was sure mine were, that baby simply must come out. So she checked my cervix and immediately laughed. "Oh girl! You are having this baby, tonight probably!"

I was glad and reassured, albeit a little skeptical. I certainly didn't feel like I was going I to labor. But we went home, tucked the children into bed, praying for a good birth. I put on Heroes to keep
me entertained and did squats in the hopes that something, sometime soon might happen. I felt.... Not much different. Slowly over the next few hours the light braxton hicks contractions started up again.

I was still pretty skeptical. If this was my labor, I could count myself highly blessed among women. It wasn't really painful at all.

Now, I remind you.... I have had three previous babies. And while my first was a c-section, that happened AFTER 26 hours of labor. So.... This just didn't feel like labor. It felt the same as false labor really. In the middle of the night, I grew tired. I wanted this baby to get out NOW simply so I could sleep. So.... I lay down and slept quite peacefully for a few hours. When I woke at five I was

still able to dose in and out while my contractions got stronger. I didn't realize that, yes, they were stronger until almost seven. I drew a bath because I find the warm water seems to relieve pain and
quicken labor. I got in, and it became clear that this was 'real' labor. I began to cry. It really hurt! My previous thoughts of 'oooh this is easy' were gone.

My husband heard me crying and helped me out of the bath. He calmly listened as I cried, "I don't think I can do this.". He helped me to the bed as I sobbed, "Please, listen, I don't want to do this ever
again. I can't, I can't."

I pushed and screamed. Oh God it hurt sooooooo much.
I pushed a few more times. The kids, not bothered in the least,
happily come out of bed to enjoy their birth morning treat, pop tarts!

Then... I feel it engaged! Yay! This is it! The pain is lessened, replaced with pressure, solid pressure. It was described to me as a hot bowling ball, and that is a really good description of it.

I push and my water breaks, everywhere! Yes, until then it did not break. I apologize to my husband at this point because I am pretty sure he got doused.
I push and a head is out!
I push and shoulders are coming!
I push and the baby is here!!!!!!! It was 7:58.

I pick up my babe, seeing that it is a perfect tiny (to me) baby boy.

I hold him to my chest and lay down, on my own bed. My husband covers us and invites the children to meet their new brother.

I laugh. Yes, at this point I was laughing. My labor was so hilarious to me. I laugh that I was so afraid and in pain that I actually asked my husband for no more beautiful, sweet, joyous blessings like this babe! How ridiculous!

"Aaron, it was so quick! Did you see how quick!"

Fortunately my husband knows my heart. I would never be able to say no. I love them so. They bring so much joy to our lives, they bring so much clarity of purpose, sense of belonging, courage to do what is right, and delight in all things new.

Since then I have already dreamt twice about my next babe..... Yes, my next. Not because this awesome child is not enough.

But because my love for him whets the appetite.

I love my babies.

Praise Yah! Thank You for my beautiful, healthy, loving, smart children! May they follow hard after You all the days of their lives!

***

Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador? Check out these similar posts.....

La Soñador ~: Prepping for a Homebirth - I keep a 'Birth Tote' stocked and supplied at my home now. This is for any future births I may have or in the off chance that someone around my home goes into labor and is willing to accept my supplies and/or assistance.

La Soñador ~: Finding the Hand of God in Homebirth - I would think that my first birth experience WAS part of our temerity in choosing to have another child. But once we stepped on that path and had our positive test, I began researching and reading about pregnancy and birth ...

La Soñador ~: One Year Ago Today - About our homebirth. - I didn't want my second birth to go this way. And after a c-section the outlook seemed even worse. Doctors demanded a 2nd c-section. My first doctor, whom I immediately quit, strongly urged a tubal ligation. That is where they ...

Sunday, November 25, 2012

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[a] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

It is obvious from all of the hand-wringing where the American Church has, on a very large scale, misguidedly chosen to place its faith. The American Church has chosen the State, with its politics and man-as-saviour mentality.

American Christians used to say, "We have no governor but Christ."

Now they say, "We have no governor but Caesar, and anyone sporting a big shining "R" after his name. If all else fails, we'll pray to God and see if He can help any."

Listen then, to the word of the Lord to those who in the past rejected God as King.

Action / consequence. Math.

Background:

1 Samuel 8:1-10:
And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king.

Moving on to consequences...

1 Samuel 8:11-18:
(emphasis mine)

And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.

Look at the results, as outlined by R. Rushdoony in The Institutes of Biblical Law. Many of these are not as directly applicable to our society, until one considers the massive amount of taxes that go to fund our perpetual wars, and the virtual conscription (via tax and debt-slavery) of our young men and women...

- Military conscription.
- State service
- Conscription of young men, women, and even animals.
- Massive expropriation of property
- The expropriation of a tenth of the wealth- a direct parallel to the tithe- to the state.
- The people complain, although their hardship is merely the price of their sins, namely, the rejection of God as King, and the substitution of the State-as-king.

No doubt we should pray. No doubt we shout be spending time in prayer and fasting.

I do not hold out much hope for miraculous deliverance, however, as the American Church, the people of God, have already chosen their king.

It may just now be left for us to suffer the price for that decision, and to demostrate true repentence by correcting this mistake. Some might say this is Divine punishment. I would say that it is a case of a Father correcting His people by giving them exactly what they have asked for.

What is a believer to do?

The same as they did in Rome, when the threat of being used as a garden torch for Caesar lingered over their heads. The same as the prophets did in ancient Israel, when the kings and queens sought their blood for speaking the truth.

A True Wife

A true wife makes a man's life nobler, stronger, grander, by the omnipotence of her love 'turning all the forces of manhood upward and heavenward. While she clings to him in holy confidence and loving dependence she brings out in him whatever is noblest and richest in his being. She inspires him with her courage and earnestness. She beautifies his life. She softens whatever is rude and harsh in his habits or his spirit. She clothes him with the gentler graces of refined and cultured manhood. While she yields to him and never disregards his lightest wish, she is really his queen, ruling his whole life and leading him onward and upward in every proper path. - JR Miller

Must Have Books

Queen of Your Home

Thank God, O women, for the quietude of your home, and that you are queen it it. Men come at eventide to the home; but all day long you are there, beautifying it, sanctifying it, adorning it, blessing it.Better be there than wear a queen's coronet. Better be there than carry the purse of a princess. It may be a very humble home. There may be no carpet on the floor. There may be no pictures on the wall. There may be no silks in the wardrobe; but, by your faith in God, and your cheerful demeanor, you may garniture that place with more splendor than the upholsterer's hand ever kindled." ---Reverend T. DeWitt Talmage, D.D

Proverbs 28:19

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Good Advice

"Humble yourself. Ground yourself in the spiritual sense. Ground yourself in the physical, earthy sense so you can grow some of your own food. Stock the pantry. Eliminate debt. Downsize. Simplify. Make do and be content with less. Learn the various hands-on skills of self-sufficient living. Establish one (or more) small home businesses. Embrace the little pleasures of life. Thank God for His blessings."Herrick Kimball - http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/

Courage

If we cower at every argument of truth because it may cause offense, we may find no stronghold of courage within ourselves to defend our testimony of Christ when the time comes. - C.M.B. de Bruyn

Contributors

Life and Death

1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Faith, Charity and Love

"Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak" - Marion G. Romney

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Home and God

"The long process of disentanglement from idolatrous dependencies includes such practices of moving towards a home-centered economy, with intentional community, home-schooling, home-gardening, house churches, health-cost sharing, private exchange, unlicenced ministry, and any other way in which we might live free and godly lives in Christ Jesus, without prostrating ourselves to eat from the hand of the imperial magistrate"Christian Exodus - http://christianexodus.org/